CROP REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 31, 2008

Saskatchewan farmers have 20 per cent of the 2008 crop harvested, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.

This is an increase of 10 per cent from last week, but still behind the five-year (2003-2007) average of 35 per cent. Provincially, harvest is furthest advanced in the southwest with 36 per cent of the crop harvested, and least advanced in the northwest where six per cent of the crop has been taken off.

Thirteen per cent of the durum crop has been harvested and nine per cent of the canola crop is off. With 10 per cent of the spring wheat crop harvested, crop reporters estimate that 70 per cent will grade No. 1 Canada Western (CW) and 23 per cent will grade No. 2 CW. The 10-year crop report average is 46 per cent 1 CW and 23 per cent 2 CW.

Sixty-one per cent of the 2008 lentil crop is off, as is 73 per cent of the pea crop. The fall rye crop is 89 per cent harvested and the winter wheat crop is 78 per cent harvested. Almost half of the triticale crop is harvested.

Insects and wind caused the majority of the crop damage this past week. Reporters also expressed concerns about flooding, ergot, bleaching, staining and lodging. Southern areas received rainfall of up to 50 mm on Sunday, August 31 and Monday, September 1.

Pasture conditions deteriorated from the end of July when 58 per cent were in good to excellent condition. The current rating is 45 per cent of pastures in good to excellent condition. The poorest pasture conditions are located on the western side of the province.

Fifteen per cent of reporters rate livestock water supplies as inadequate, up from 11 per cent at the end of July. Some farmers, located primarily in southern Saskatchewan are hauling water for their animals.

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For more information, contact:

Terry Bedard
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5956